Deontay Wilder has warned Anthony Joshua not to let the opportunity to make ‘history’ pass him by.
The American has been out of the ring for more than a year, knocking out Robert Helenius inside a round in October 2022.
But despite concerns over ring rust, Wilder has dismissed any potential delays to a mouthwatering fight with Joshua, while current world title holders Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk prepare to face each other to become the undisputed champion.
Joshua also fought Helenius in his last fight in August, delivering a spectacular knockout in the seventh round, but Wilder is now in a hurry to meet ‘AJ’ in the ring.
Wilder said: “Everyone is looking forward to this fight, hopefully it happens. I’m doing everything in my power to make it happen.
Anthony Joshua poses for a photo on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of United States— (Getty Images)
“I’m referring to it as the Anthony Joshua fight. You’re hearing it from my mouth, here, personally, from the horse’s mouth, himself, I’m here and ready. I’m ready to go.
“I heard some things from your promoter, that my last fight only lasted a short period of time and I haven’t fought in a year, he don’t know if I want to fight or not. I’m letting you know, right now, right here, I’m ready to fight, get in that ring, let’s make this the best time of our lives. This would be a major disaster if we didn’t get in the ring and put our stamp on history.
“People would think of classic and great fights, I want them to think about us as well, being able to do that, we’ve got to get in the ring.
“The silliest thing I’ve heard, people saying, ‘you’re not ready’. That’s the silliest thing. I don’t believe that, I believe you’re ready, I hope you’re ready, I think you’re ready. Let’s make this happen bro, me and you, make history happen. Looking forward to seeing your response, I’ll talk to you soon.”
Joshua intimated last weekend the highly-anticipated bout could be part of a blockbuster card topped by Tyson Fury taking on Oleksandr Usyk next spring.
Joshua (26-3, 23KOs) is planning another tune-up in December, but should he emerge victorious and unscathed, a meeting with the former WBC champion Wilder could take place in the first quarter of 2024.
